Assam Assembly Election 2026: Major Update as Full Election Commission Set to Visit State Amid Early Schedule Buzz
The provided information appears to be based on recent reports circulating in Assamese media about preparations for the upcoming Assam Legislative Assembly elections, expected in 2026. As of early February 2026, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has not yet announced the official schedule, but credible sources indicate that elections are likely to be held in March–April 2026, possibly earlier than the typical timeline, with potential for fewer phases due to the improved security situation in the state.
Guwahati, February 2026 – With the term of the Assam Legislative Assembly set to end on May 20, 2026, political temperatures in the state are rising as preparations for the Assam Assembly Election 2026 intensify. A significant development has emerged: the full bench of the Election Commission of India (ECI) is scheduled to visit Assam on February 7 and 8, 2026, for a two-day tour. This visit marks a key step toward finalizing and announcing the election schedule, potentially advancing the process compared to previous cycles.
Sources indicate that the ECI team, including senior officials, will engage in detailed consultations with leaders from both ruling and opposition political parties during their stay in Assam. Discussions will also take place with the state government to assess logistical readiness, security arrangements, and electoral infrastructure. Following the conclusion of this visit and their return to Delhi, the Election Commission is expected to officially declare the Assam Vidhan Sabha Chunav 2026/ Assam Assembly Election schedule.
This development aligns with broader reports suggesting that the ECI plans visits to multiple poll-bound states—including Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry—after mid-February 2026, with the full schedule likely to be announced in March. For Assam, however, insiders hint at an accelerated timeline. The election notification could come 8–10 days earlier than in the 2021 polls, potentially advancing the entire process by about 10 days relative to expectations.
In 2021, the Assam Legislative Assembly elections (Assam Assembly Election) were conducted in three phases: voting on March 27 (first phase), April 1 (second phase), and April 6 (third phase), with results declared shortly after. The staggered approach was partly due to security concerns in certain regions. This time, the landscape has transformed significantly. Assam now enjoys a peaceful environment, free from the militancy and agitations that once characterized parts of the state. The absence of unrest has boosted confidence among election authorities, who are reportedly keen on conducting the polls in one or two phases instead of three.
The ECI is open to a single-phase election if conditions permit, prioritizing efficiency and minimal disruption while ensuring free and fair voting across all 126 constituencies. This shift reflects the remarkable progress in Assam’s security and governance under the current administration led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The BJP, which has governed since 2016 and secured re-election in 2021, aims for a third term, emphasizing development, infrastructure, and stability.
The peaceful atmosphere is a game-changer. Unlike past elections marred by insurgency-related challenges, today’s Assam presents a conducive setting for streamlined polling. The ECI has expressed no major concerns about law and order, allowing focus on other critical aspects like voter turnout, EVM readiness, and electoral roll accuracy.
Preparations are already in full swing. The First Level Checking (FLC) of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) units has been nearly completed across most districts, with supplementary checks ongoing. A special revision of electoral rolls, with January 1, 2026, as the qualifying date, has been conducted to ensure an updated and inclusive voter list. These measures underscore the ECI’s commitment to transparency and inclusivity ahead of the Assam Assembly Election 2026.
Politically, the contest promises to be intense. The ruling BJP-led NDA alliance, bolstered by partners like the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL), faces a determined opposition, including the Indian National Congress (INC), All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), and others. Key issues likely to dominate campaigns include development in rural and tribal areas, flood management, employment, illegal immigration concerns, and cultural preservation. The BJP has targeted a high vote share, while opposition parties are working on unity and outreach strategies.
The ECI’s February visit is crucial not only for schedule announcement but also for on-ground assessment. Interactions with political stakeholders will help address any grievances related to voter rolls, model code of conduct enforcement, and resource allocation. Given Assam’s strategic importance in the Northeast, a smooth election process will reinforce democratic credibility in the region.
As the state awaits the official schedule, speculation is rife about exact polling dates. While March–April 2026 remains the expected window—potentially concluding before major festivals like Rongali Bihu in mid-April—the advanced announcement could allow parties more preparation time. Voters, especially first-timers, are being encouraged to participate actively, with campaigns highlighting the importance of every vote in strengthening democracy.
In summary, the upcoming Assam Vidhan Sabha Chunav/Assam Assembly Election 2026 is shaping up as a landmark event in a transformed, peaceful Assam. The ECI’s proactive visit on February 7-8 signals that the process is moving swiftly toward conclusion. Stay tuned for official announcements from the Election Commission, which will set the stage for what promises to be a high-stakes, multi-phase—or possibly streamlined—electoral battle.
